Is Shai Gilgeous-Alexander playing today against France? Latest on OKC Thunder point guard's availability (July 19)

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Canada will resume their 2024 Paris Olympics preparation by squaring off against hosts France. The Canadians’ last pre-tournament game was against the star-studded Team USA nine days ago in Las Vegas. “SGA” and his compatriots hope to have a good showing versus the French on Friday.

Jordi Fernandez Torres can count on NBA stars Jamal Murray, Andrew Nembhard, Lu Dort, RJ Barrett, Nickeil Alexander-Walker and others. However, “SGA” is the cornerstone Canada needs to challenge for a podium finish next month.

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander has had plenty of rest between exhibition games. He should be looking forward to the showdown against Victor Wembanyama, Rudy Gobert and the French national team.

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Shai Gilgeous-Alexander looks to ramp up his preparation

In Canada's 86-72 loss to Team USA, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander seemed to be pacing himself. He and his teammates were more concerned about executing their plays on both ends of the floor. The OKC Thunder superstar wasn’t as aggressive as fans have gotten accustomed to seeing from him.

Gilgeous-Alexander finished the game with 10 points, four rebounds and one assist. The All-NBA guard shot 1-for-6, including 2-for-4 from deep. He also gave playmaking duties to Andrew Nembhard or Jamal Murray on several occasions.

With the Olympics fast approaching, "SGA" will look to ramp up his preparation for the tournament. He will likely see more minutes and he is surely going to go harder than he did versus Team USA. The Canadians have to be in top form just in time for the competition to start.

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Shai Gilgeous-Alexander torched France in 2023 FIBA World Cup

Canada opened the 2023 FIBA World Cup with a big bang. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander turned what was expected to be a seesaw battle against France into a rout. The two-time All-Star finished that game with 27 points, 13 rebounds, six assists and two steals with only one turnover.

Canada’s performance served notice to the competition behind the Thunder guard’s explosive start. The French had a front-row ticket to that show as the Canadians marched to the end. Rudy Gobert, Evan Fournier, Nic Batum and others, who were part of Les Bleus that got blown out, will surely remember that beatdown.

France and Canada scrimmaged on Thursday. The rotations in that battle will likely be different when they meet on Friday at Co’Met Arena. France will have likely taken notes to ensure they avoid another big defeat.